“W-Why would I want to do that? You said you would take the ring back after the holiday. Well, Christmas is over and I’m returning it.”
“Does that mean you’re ready to tell your family the truth?”
She shook her head. “No, but they’re all the way in Virginia so by the time I see them again I can concoct a story that I decided not to marry you.”
you.”
“Paulette and Jonathan are coming up to spend New Year’s Eve.
What are they going to say if you’re not wearing the ring?” he said as he rose and moved toward her.
She worried her bottom lip a few moments and replied, “I hadn’t thought about that.”
“And what will your assistant say if you come to work tomorrow not wearing it?” Scott knew it was selfish, but he was determined to keep her in his life and his bed.
The worried line on her face said she hadn’t thought about that either. “This is a mess. I wish I had just been honest in the first place.”
“Give me your hand,” he commanded. Zanaa looked at him for a long pause before she placed her hand in his. As soon as she did, he slipped the ring back where—as far as he was concerned—it belonged. “I want you to keep wearing the ring.”
Zanaa looked up at him, searching his eyes. “I’m sure you’ve got better things to be doing than helping me out.”
“No, actually I don’t.” Ever since he started seeing her, he hadn’t thought twice about seeing another woman and now that he knew how it felt making love to her, he couldn’t imagine sharing another woman’s bed.
“I enjoy our arrangement.”
“You do?” she said with an amused look.
“Yes, I do.” He took her hand, bringing Zanaa to her feet then swooped in and pressed his mouth against hers. Slipping his tongue inside, they moved a familiar dance. Zanaa groaned and he deepened the kiss. She wiggled her body against his erection and he pulled her even closer. No other woman had the power to make him hard like she did, and if he didn’t stop, he was going to carry her over his shoulder, down the hall to his room, and make love to her until sunrise. With one final kiss, he pulled back and stared down at her. Her moist parted lips made the blood stir at his loins. “Stay with me tonight.”
Zanaa licked her lips and his insides tightened. “I can’t.”
“Why not?” he demanded to know.
“Because, as I said before, I’m not interested in a fling. I’m looking for a committed relationship.” She stopped, took a deep breath and closed for a committed relationship.” She stopped, took a deep breath and closed her eyes briefly. “Unlike some people, I can’t separate my body from my heart. It’s all or nothing with me.”
Scott stared down at her. Zanaa was waiting patiently for him to say something. He inhaled deeply, wishing he could give her what she wanted. Unfortunately, commitment was something he just wasn’t prepared to do again. “I can only respect that,” he finally said and didn’t miss the hint of disappointment in her eyes.
“Thank you for being honest,” she breathed then turned and moved toward the door. “Don’t worry. I’ll work on my family,” she began with a dismissive wave. “After New Year’s, I’ll find some excuse as to why it’s not working between us. It’s the only way I’ll be able to make my story believable.”
Why did ending the relationship bother him so much? Scott forced a nod. “I told you before to take all the time you needed.”
One slender shoulder shrugged. “I think the sooner I break off the engagement, the better off we’ll both be. We’ve been spending way too much time together and I need to get my life back…and so do you.” With one last glance, Zanaa waved then turned on her heels, walking back to her condo and out of his life.
Chapter Fifteen
Jennifer Simmons stepped into the spacious dining room, carrying a basket of hot rolls, and planted a kiss to her stepson’s cheek. “Dear, you need a wife,” she replied and returned to her seat.
Scott arched a brow and wondered where that comment came from. Glancing across the dinner table, he caught his father trying to hide a hint of amusement.
“Jenn, I’ve already tried that once and you see where that got me.”
She dismissed his response with a rude snort. “Maybe she just wasn’t the right one.” Scott followed the direction of her gray eyes as she gazed adoring at her husband.
He took a moment to admire the woman who’d breathed life back into his father’s life. Jennifer was short and petite with short dark brown hair that she wore tapered close, showing off diamond-studded earrings in her earlobes. She was a school administrator who had been in an abusive relationship for years before she’d gotten away from her boyfriend. It had taken her almost three years before she’d learned to trust again. Shortly after, she had fallen in love with Monty Simmons.
“How are things going with you and Zanaa?”
Scott wasn’t surprised that his father had heard about his engagement. He just wasn’t sure which one told him, Darnell or Sheyna.
He looked over at his father, taking in his short salt and pepper hair, mahogany skin and amber eyes identical to Sheyna’s. At fifty-six, he was aging gracefully. “We’re just friends and neighbors. She helped me out and I returned the favor…nothing more.”
His father gave him one of those looks that Scott ignored and instead bit into the crispy fried chicken breast. “Mmmm, this is really good,” he said trying to change the subject.
“Thanks,” Jennifer beamed. “You know…if you found a wife you “Thanks,” Jennifer beamed. “You know…if you found a wife you wouldn’t have to drive an hour just for a home-cook meal.” His stepmother was not going to give up.
“But if I did, you would miss seeing my smiling face,” he cooed, causing Jennifer to grin.
“No, instead we would get to see you and a lovely lady on your arm.”
“Sorry, son, but Jennifer’s right. You’re thirty-seven. It’s time for you to think about settling down.” So much for his father helping him out.
“Tell us something about Zanaa?” Jennifer asked between bites.
Just thinking about her brought an automatic tightness in his chest, as well as a stirring at another part of his body.
He tried to hide his feelings behind a shrug. “What’s there not to say? She’s beautiful and very talented.” Scott told them about Zanaa being a wedding planner.
“You should see the way your eyes light up when you talk about her,” Jennifer teased then rose from the table and walked back into the kitchen.
Once she was gone, his father looked at him and chuckled. “You should have expected that. We’d like to meet her.”
“Dad, it’s nothing like that,” he denied.
“I think there’s a lot more going on than you are letting yourself admit.” Before he could respond his father placed a hand over his. “Son, it’s time for you to let go of the past and open up before someone else steals that girl’s heart.”
*
“What do you think of this dress?”
Zanaa looked over at the little black dress Leah was holding up. It had a scoop neck and a taffeta skirt. “I look horrible in taffeta.”
Leah broke into a wide, open smile. “I think you can get away with anything,” she replied, complimenting her figure.
For New Years, Zanaa wanted something that was sexy but not over dressed. She wanted to make a statement and let Scott see what he was missing since he was so dead set against commitment. “You still haven’t missing since he was so dead set against commitment. “You still haven’t told me what you’re doing for New Year’s Eve?”
Shifting her eyebrows, Leah said, “I’ve got a date with this guy I met at Starbucks.”
“Starbucks?” Zanaa repeated with a smirk.
She nodded her head. “Yep. Six-two, butternut brown, gray eyes and works as a contractor. I’m thinking about letting him remodel my kitchen. That’s if the sex is good,” Leah replied mischievously.
Zanaa cupped
her mouth with uncontrollable laughter. “You are too much.”
“Hey, nothing’s wrong with getting some on New Year’s Eve.
You’re supposed to be doing whatever it is you’ll be doing the rest of the year. I guess that means in the New Year I’m going to be a cougar.”
“A cougar?”
Leah flashed a saucy smile. “Yep. Mr. Contractor is only twenty-five. I think I’m going to start dating nothing but younger men.”
Zanaa chuckled softly as she reached for a simple black dress for the rack. “If my memory serves me right, you’re supposed to be inviting Andre over to your house for a home-cooked meal.”
Leah’s brow arched dangerously at the reminder. “I think I’d rather babysit little Scott, Jr. instead.”
Giggling, she replied, “Believe me, there’s nothing serious going on between Scott and I.” Zanaa had already given her the full details of their trip to Virginia together. “In fact, after New Year’s Eve, I’m ending our relationship.”
Leah gave a skeptical look. “You love him, don’t you?”
Yes, she loved him with everything she had. She didn’t want to love him but she did. The only problem was he didn’t love her. Scott had made it clear from the beginning he wasn’t interested in a commitment. He didn’t have room in his life for a serious relationship. She knew he wouldn’t have a problem continuing their sexual relationship until it had run its course. But for her it had to be all or nothing. There was no way she could separate her heart from her body. She wanted love and everything that came with that. Zanaa now knew what she’d had with Cole wasn’t real love. She had been a child who had fallen in love with her first boyfriend, love. She had been a child who had fallen in love with her first boyfriend, and wanted that fairytale to last into adulthood. But what she felt for Scott was real and so powerful that if she couldn’t have his love, then she didn’t want anything at all.
“Yes, I love him,” she confirmed.
“Have you told him how you feel?”
Closing her eyes, Zanaa shook her head. And as far as she was concerned, she never would.
Chapter Sixteen
Staring at the dress she’d chosen for New Year’s Eve, Zanaa decided she’d made an excellent choice. It was a hip-hugging black dress that accentuated the swell of her breasts and her narrow waist. She accessorized it with a wide red belt, beaded necklace, matching bracelet, and stylish black stiletto boots.
She spent all afternoon getting ready: French nails, new lipstick, she’d even treated herself to a new perfume fragrance. Afterwards she returned home, took a long hot bubble bath, followed by a short nap.
Hours later, Zanaa slipped into a new satin bra and low rise panties and spent an hour flat ironing her hair. Turning side to side in front of the mirror, she smiled. The look was going to knock Scott out his socks.
Zanaa glanced down at the jeweled watch on her wrist. Paulette and John would be arriving at eight. Her heart thumped just thinking about spending the evening with Scott. Since he slipped the engagement ring back onto her finger, she hadn’t seen him. Zanaa thought Scott had decided to leave town for the New Year until he called this morning to confirm they were still going out. Scott had suggested a small jazz club in central Philadelphia, and had purchased ticketed for the two couples in advance. Zanaa was relieved at the choice. She hated crowded New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Moving over to the vanity, Zanaa applied red lipstick, a little mascara, and eye shadow. Scott had told her numerous times how beautiful she was and tonight she actually felt as breathtaking as he made her feel.
Pleased at her appearance, she moved into her bedroom and grabbed a small red clutch and black pea coat. By the time she filled her purse with a few necessary items, the doorbell rang.
When she opened the door, her breath caught in her throat at the man standing before her. Scott looked sinfully handsome dressed in man standing before her. Scott looked sinfully handsome dressed in charcoal gray slacks, a crisp, white, dress shirt, a black dinner jacket, and wingtip shoes. Emotion clutched at Zanaa’s heart that she subdued instantly. Showing any feelings would be dangerous. If she had any hope of pulling tonight off, she had to be confident and stay totally composed.
Taking a deep, calming breath, Zanaa reminded herself she was spending New Year’s Eve with Scott because she had to and for no other reason.
Then why did you go to so much trouble to look good so he couldn’t keep his eyes—and possibly his hands—off you?
“Wow!” he replied followed by a whistle. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you. You don’t look bad yourself,” she said with a grin.
Scott dropped a kiss to her cheek. As he moved inside, Zanaa caught the scent of his cologne that was definitely masculine. She shut the door and turned around as he glanced down at his watch.
“What time are they arriving?” Scott asked.
“They should be here at any moment. However, before they arrive I would like to talk to you about something.”
“What’s that?”
Zanaa noticed his eyes were feasting down at her lips. Scott was standing so close she had to take several deep breaths. It took a few seconds longer for her to remember what it was she needed to say. “I think tonight would be as good a time as any to start casting doubts about our relationship. We don’t have to go as far as starting a fight but at least we could start showing we’re getting a little testy with each other.”
His brow rose. “Won’t that seem a little odd being we were perfectly happy less than a week ago?”
Zanaa shook her head. “No, my sister knows if I drink a little more than usual I have a tendency to be loose with the tongue. She’ll just think I’m finally starting to see the flaws in our relationship like I have with every other man I’ve dated.”
Scott found her comment amusing. “I think your plan’s going to fail.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Because with as much chemistry as we have, there’ll be no way of turning it off.”
turning it off.”
“I disagree,” she countered stubbornly.
“Would you like to bet on it?”
“There is no need. I—” Before she could finish her sentence, Scoot swooped in and captured her mouth with his. Oh, but he tasted good. His tongue slipped between her lips and she couldn’t resist a moan. He was right. They had so much sexual chemistry, her body was on fire, and the only one who could extinguish the heat burning inside her was Scott. He brought a hand down the small of her back and stopped at her butt, pressing her firmly against his erection.
“Feel that. That’s what you do to me,” he breathed against her lips before capturing them again. Wetness slipped from between her legs and she found herself rocking her hips against the length of him. He was what her body craved. What she couldn’t seem to get enough of. Zanaa was seconds away from begging Scott to carry her to the master bedroom and make love to her when a knock at the door startled them. Paulette and Jonathan had arrived.
“Let me get my coat,” she said while trying to catch her breath.
She hurried to her room, glad for a moment to pull her thoughts together.
Tonight was going to be one long evening.
*
Zanaa and Paulette stepped out the ladies room, heading back toward the table. Scott watched the way Zanaa’s hips swayed with confidence and class. Several men, although with dates of their own, couldn’t resist turning and looking in her direction. He felt a sense of possessiveness, wanting to jump out his seat, move to her side and shout she belonged to him. The emotion confused him because she didn’t belong to him, and it wasn’t his place to say or to keep thinking she was. Zanaa had made it clear she was ready to end their relationship, and it would be sooner than later if he allowed that to happen. However, Scott had other plans and they didn’t include ending what they had just yet. Not until he had his fill of her and everything she had to give him, and as far as he was concerned there was mo
re, plenty more.
Just as she had warned, Zanaa had been drinking more than Just as she had warned, Zanaa had been drinking more than normal, and the entire evening she had been tossing hints to suggest their relationship wasn’t as perfect as everyone thought. He chuckled inward at some of the accusations. He snored, smacked his food, and had a habit of leaving up the toilet seat. She commented that his hours and hers clashed so much she didn’t know how they would ever be able to live together.
Scott found her attempts quite amusing. However, what Zanaa was about to discover was their engagement was going to last until he said it was over. All night he watched the swell of her breasts and the sway of her hips. He sat there yearning to bend her over and bury himself deep inside her heat. Zanaa wanted them to think it was over, but tonight he had every intention of sharing her bed.
“Sorry it took so long, but there was a line out the bathroom door,” Zanaa said with an apologetic smile as she placed her clutch handbag on the table.
“Thank goodness I carry tissues in my purse,” Paulette added as she took her seat. Jonathan ordered another bottle of champagne. All around them everyone was celebrating and having a good time.
“So,” Paulette sang, “Scott, have the two of you decided yet on a date for your wedding?”
Zanaa looked at him with a moment of panic. This was his chance to start casting doubt. Only he couldn’t or better yet…wouldn’t.
“We were thinking of getting married this summer,” he lied then reached across and took Zanaa hand in his. “Weren’t we, sweetheart?”
Zanaa pasted on what appeared to be a painful smile. “Uhhhh…
we were but since I have so many weddings to plan for June and July, I don’t know how I could possibly find the time to plan my own.”
Paulette’s eyes shined with excitement. “Oooh, Zanaa, Mother and I would love to help plan it!”
Scott brought her warm hand to his lips. “See, Zanaa. I told you your family would be more than happy to help.”
In Her Neighbor's Bed (The Beaumont Series) Page 14
